The Best Places for Bird Watching in North Norfolk
North Norfolk is a haven for bird watchers, with its diverse landscapes ranging from salt marshes and mudflats to heathlands and woodlands. Whether you're a keen birder or a casual wildlife enthusiast, this stunning stretch of coastline offers some of the best bird-watching opportunities in the UK. Here’s a guide to the top spots, the birds you can see throughout the year, and useful links for further information.
Image from Deepdale Camping
1. RSPB Titchwell Marsh
Located near Brancaster, RSPB Titchwell Marsh is one of the most renowned bird-watching sites in the country. With lagoons, reed beds, and sandy beaches, it provides a habitat for a wide variety of species.
Birds to see:
Spring/Summer: Avocets, marsh harriers, bitterns, and breeding waders.
Autumn/Winter: Brent geese, redshanks, and thousands of wading birds.
2. Cley Marshes (Norfolk Wildlife Trust)
Cley Marshes, managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, is an essential stop for birders. The combination of reed beds, saline lagoons, and shingle beach attracts both rare and common species.
Birds to see:
Spring/Summer: Bearded tits, bitterns, and warblers.
Autumn/Winter: Pink-footed geese, peregrine falcons, and wigeon.
3. Holkham National Nature Reserve
Stretching along the coast near Wells-next-the-Sea, Holkham is a mix of sand dunes, pine woods, and grazing marshes, providing an excellent bird-watching experience year-round.
Birds to see:
Spring/Summer: Spoonbills, oystercatchers, and barn owls.
Autumn/Winter: Shore larks, snow buntings, and large flocks of geese.
4. Snettisham RSPB Reserve
Famous for its incredible ‘whirling wader’ spectacles, Snettisham is best visited at high tide when thousands of birds take to the skies in stunning formations.
Birds to see:
Spring/Summer: Little terns, avocets, and ringed plovers.
Autumn/Winter: Knot, dunlin, and sanderlings.
5. Blakeney Point (National Trust)
Blakeney Point is not only famous for its seal colony but also for its rich birdlife. Accessible by boat or on foot, it’s a great place to see migratory birds.
Birds to see:
Spring/Summer: Common and little terns, oystercatchers, and eider ducks.
Autumn/Winter: Red-throated divers, snow buntings, and brent geese.
Best Times for Bird Watching in North Norfolk
Spring (March-May): Migratory birds return, with warblers, avocets, and bitterns making appearances.
Summer (June-August): Ideal for breeding birds like marsh harriers and terns.
Autumn (September-November): A key migration period, with many waders and wildfowl arriving.
Winter (December-February): Large flocks of geese, waders, and raptors dominate the skies.
Plan Your Visit
North Norfolk’s bird-watching sites offer well-maintained hides, visitor centres, and guided walks. Be sure to check tide times for coastal reserves and bring binoculars for the best experience. Many reserves have small entrance fees or request donations to support conservation efforts.
For more information on bird-watching in Norfolk, visit the Norfolk Ornithologists’ Association or BirdGuides.
Whether you’re watching flocks of pink-footed geese in the winter or spotting rare warblers in the spring, North Norfolk is a must-visit destination for bird lovers!